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Assignees
MemberJohns Hopkins UniversityJohns Hopkins UniversityFounded in 1876, Johns Hopkins University is recognized as the first research university in the United States. It advances interdisciplinary education, high-impact research, and global outreach, supporting knowledge translation, technological innovation, and community partnerships. The university fosters academic excellence, innovation incubation, outreach, and inclusion across multiple campuses in Baltimore, integrating into the city's social, economic, and cultural life.
Founded in 1876, Johns Hopkins University is recognized as the first research university in the United States. It advances interdisciplinary education, high-impact research, and global outreach, supporting knowledge translation, technological innovation, and community partnerships. The university fosters academic excellence, innovation incubation, outreach, and inclusion across multiple campuses in Baltimore, integrating into the city's social, economic, and cultural life.
Publication Number
US-12685748-B2
Publication Date
2026-07-21
Expiration Date
Abstract
In one aspect, compositions and therapeutic use thereof are provided that can inhibit α-synuclein cell-to-cell transmission. In embodiment, methods are provided to treat a mammal such as a human that is suffering from or susceptible to an α-synucleinopathy that include administering to the mammal an effective amount of one or more metal nanozymes.
Core Innovation
The invention provides nanozyme-based therapeutic methods for treating an α-synucleinopathy. A mammal suffering from an α-synucleinopathy is treated by administering an effective amount of one or more metal nanozymes. The disclosed approach is positioned to inhibit α-synuclein cell-to-cell transmission and reduce α-syn aggregation and pathology in cells and animal models.
The metal nanozymes are described as Pt agents, including PtCu, PtNi, PtAu, PtAg, PtFe, and PtSn. The disclosed compositions are framed as discrete nanoparticles, and the document further emphasizes exclusion of covalently linked proteins, peptides, polymers, and organic components. The invention is presented as acting on reactive oxygen species, and supporting characterization attributes enzyme-mimicking functionality such as peroxidase-like activity, catalase-like activity, and SOD-like activity.
The background problem addressed is the presence and progression of α-synucleinopathies, including proteinopathy associated with α-synuclein aggregation and cell-to-cell transmission, leading to neurodegenerative conditions. The document links therapeutic effect to reductions in pS129 and insoluble α-syn pathology, and to inhibition of α-synuclein aggregation and α-synuclein transmission. It also reports that antioxidant activity can depend on pH and may be reduced by protein corona formation.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies four independent claims. Collectively, they cover therapeutic use of one or more metal nanozymes for α-synucleinopathy, proteinopathy, α-synuclein aggregation in cells, and Parkinson’s disease. The claim set includes multiple refinements specifying platinum (Pt) agent embodiments and, in some cases, nanoalloy forms.
Treating an α-synucleinopathy with metal nanozymes
A method of treating a mammal suffering from an α-synucleinopathy comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of one or more metal nanozymes.
Treating or delaying onset of a proteinopathy with metal nanozymes
A method for treating or delaying onset of a proteinopathy, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of one or more metal nanozymes.
Treating α-synuclein aggregation in cells with metal nanozymes
A method of treating α-synuclein aggregation in the cells of a subject suffering from an α-synucleinopathy, comprising administering an effective amount of one or more metal nanozymes.
Treating Parkinson’s disease with metal nanozymes
A method of treating a mammal suffering from Parkinson's disease, comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of one or more metal nanozymes.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage is therapeutic use of one or more metal nanozymes for α-synucleinopathy, proteinopathy, α-synuclein aggregation in cells, and Parkinson’s disease. Dependent claims in the partial content further emphasize platinum (Pt) agents and, in some embodiments, Pt nanoalloy forms and Pt agent lists including PtCu, PtNi, PtAu, PtAg, PtFe, and PtSn.
Stated Advantages
Inhibits α-synuclein cell-to-cell transmission.
Reduces α-synuclein aggregation and pathology.
Decreases pS129 and insoluble α-syn pathology.
Reduces α-synuclein-related neurotoxicity induced by preformed fibrils (PFF).
Provides nanozyme functional activities including peroxidase-like activity, catalase-like activity, and SOD-like activity, including scavenging reactive oxygen species.
Scavenges ROS/free radicals and reduces PFF-induced ROS.
Blocks α-synuclein transmission in vitro and in vivo.
Documented Applications
Treatment of α-synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and Alzheimer’s disease with α-synucleinopathy (including a 1/3 fraction), as described in the partial content.
Inhibition of α-synuclein transmission using a microfluidic transmission device in vitro.
Inhibition of α-synuclein transmission in vivo using PFF injection into the striatum and administration of PtCu to the substantia nigra, as described in the partial content.
Reducing α-synuclein aggregation in cells, as described in the partial content.
Proteinopathy-related treatment or delaying onset, as described in the partial content.
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